Winter is one of those times when Sarasota businesses slow down just enough to review what’s working. Some freshen up their storefronts, reset their goals, or plan for the new year ahead. But one of the most skipped pieces during this season? The website.
People visiting or spending more time in Sarasota during the cooler months are constantly searching online. Whether they’re looking for a bite to eat, a place to shop, or somewhere to spend the afternoon, they’re making decisions fast based on what they see first. And if a website looks dated or doesn’t work well, that’s often the end of the road.
Strong web design in Sarasota helps local businesses stay visible and easy to use during this busy season. Let’s walk through eight simple fixes many businesses miss but really should catch before winter fills the town with new visitors and old regulars.
Missing Mobile Tweaks
A lot of people only visit a website on their phone, especially when they’re out and about looking for places nearby. If a site isn’t built with mobile in mind, it can chase people away within seconds.
• Small buttons, hard-to-read fonts, or pop-ups that block content can make a page feel frustrating
• Menus that don’t open or pages that don’t adjust to screen size can confuse visitors
• Quick checks for awkward spacing or test taps on clickable links can show where updates are needed
Fixing mobile layout isn’t a luxury. It’s one of the easiest ways to help winter visitors get the info they need without hassle, especially if they’re unfamiliar with the area.
Slow Loading Speeds
Cooler season in Sarasota means more foot traffic and more online searching. But if a website takes too long to load, most users will leave before they even see it.
• Big image files are one of the main reasons sites drag
• Extra plugins or tools that aren’t needed anymore can also slow things down
• Sometimes, just switching sliders or video headers for simpler graphics makes a big difference
At PERC, our web development solutions place speed, security, and clarity front and center so that users have a smooth, reliable experience every time. Speed matters more than we think. It’s not just about looking good but working fast enough to keep someone from clicking back and trying the next spot instead.
Winter Event Info Left Out
This time of year brings all kinds of seasonal updates. Extended shopping nights, New Year specials, or holiday hours, all of it matters to someone searching.
• If seasonal hours are missing, people may assume you’re closed
• Leaving out limited offers or winter menus misses a chance to connect right on time
• Tying in Sarasota events like local art walks or nighttime markets can make the site feel up-to-date
Even a short update to a homepage or banner can show you’re active and ready for guests during the season.
Poor Photo Choices
Visuals send a message fast. If the first image on a page feels out of place, it throws off the whole visit.
• Summer beach photos in January can create confusion for new visitors
• Low-quality or stretched-out images make a site feel neglected
• Simple swaps to show storefronts decorated for the holidays or a current product display can freshen things instantly
Good photos give new guests a clearer idea of what to expect and make a site feel more trustworthy right away.
Contact Info That’s Hard to Find
Visitors aren’t always planning a week ahead. A lot of them are looking for quick answers. If your phone number, address, or hours take too long to find, they’ll be gone before you know it.
• Make sure your contact page link is in the main menu and easy to spot
• Add a tap-to-call button for mobile users
• Check that all details show up correctly in search results, too
If you want integrated lead capture on your site, a platform like PERC Engage™ can support inquiries and follow-up. People who are new to Sarasota aren’t going to dig around for answers. Clear info keeps them from bouncing away.
Homepage Clutter
It’s easy to want to show everything, especially when planning for a strong start to the year. But too much info packed into the homepage can do more harm than good.
• Flashing banners, crowded text blocks, or too many action buttons can overwhelm a visitor
• Pages should guide a person, not drown them in choices
• Clean layout with one clear goal helps turn a visit into action
Keeping things simple doesn’t mean cutting corners, it means making your message easier to understand.
Old Design That Doesn’t Keep Up
Some pages look like they haven’t had a check-up in years. That might be fine in quiet months, but during winter, it’s more obvious when a site feels dated.
• Fonts, page layouts, or features that don’t work anymore make people question your quality
• Broken links or missing images signal that no one’s watching the store
• Visitors coming in from out of town expect a modern, easy-to-navigate site
PERC’s work with small businesses in Sarasota shows how fresh, modern design improves trust and guides visitors smoothly from search to contact.
Fresh Eyes, Strong Site
New year, cooler weather, and visiting snowbirds mean there are plenty of fresh eyes on your site this season. Whether it’s someone making a last-minute dinner plan or looking up directions from a beachside rental, your web presence is part of what helps people choose where to go.
Making these small design tweaks now goes a long way. Smart web design in Sarasota comes down to being clear, quick, and up-to-date. A solid website helps your business stay ready for whatever the season brings.
Ready to give your website a fresh, seasonal update? Whether you need mobile improvements, new photos, or a streamlined layout, small changes can make a big impact on your visitors. A smart approach to web design in Sarasota not only keeps your business looking its best but makes sure your site performs well during your busiest times. At PERC, we deliver websites that work when you need them most. Connect with us to get started.
